Participants will experience using dialogue structures and literacy skills in the science classroom. Research shows that when students are engaged with the content and are allowed the chance to make sense of it for themselves, they will learn more. Participants will experience mini lessons that incorporate phenomena and showcase research-proven structures. Participants will be actively learning strategies that can be implemented in classrooms to increase visual literacy amongst students. Strategies include reading, writing, speaking, and graphing skills. Science examples will be modeled. There will be collaborative discussions on how these strategies can be incorporated into a variety of grade levels. Throughout these strategies, we will focus on the dialogue structures set in place to encourage all students to participate and use the academic language. Each of these structures focuses on the teacher being the facilitator of the learning, rather than leading the discussions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Takeaways include: 1. Identify how literacy and dialogue are an integral part in sensemaking; 2. Engage in examples of activities that integrate speaking, listening, and reading into the science classroom; and 3. Pick up tips to promote retention of vocabulary through scaffolding.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Niedens (Tays Junior High School: Katy, TX)

Data is key to NGSS. Yet many students struggle to make sense of it. Leaving many of us baffled by what our students do with data and/or confused by the claims they make from graphs. What can we do? Leverage classroom-ready strategies based on what research says about how younger students learn from data! Join us to discuss the data skills our young learners need and try strategies to integrate these skills into whatever your curriculum or platforms. We will explore how such strategies foster science learning for all students and increase students' interest in working with data (from Pre-K to 8th). We will discuss how novices and experts interact with data differently and what that means for our teaching. As we explore classroom-ready resources around data, data visualizations, and instructional strategies to enhance our current K-8 science content instruction and increase our toolkits. Let’s set ourselves and our students up for success by building strong foundations!

TAKEAWAYS:
Acquire skills and resources to unpack strategies for K-8 students to use when interpreting science data and visualizations in our existing curriculum for building data skills.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: Santa Cruz, CA)

According to recent studies, teaching elementary reading, writing, and math in isolation is not the most effective way for students to learn. We will show how it is possible to develop integrated learning opportunities using all of the subjects as attendees work together to analyze data and primary sources from the 1930's regarding the Dust Bowl in Kansas. Using a jigsaw method, attendees will first be divided into specialties: Horticulturist, Biologist, Geologist, Climatologist, Government employee, Native American, and a monoculture farmer to work together, from their discipline's unique perspective, to investigate how the Dust Bowl could have been avoided. They will analyze soil samples, graphs, charts, weather patterns, etc. and come to conclusions. Each member of the group will then be assigned a new group that includes one member from each discipline to present and share their perspectives with others in order to design a solution for the droughts being experienced in the 21st century.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate historical problems, primary source analysis, and STEM practices in engaging and meaningful ways to reinforce student learning as they work together to explore and debate possible solutions from multiple perspectives to prevent another Dust Bowl like the 1930's.

SPEAKERS:
Deborah Draper (Cedar Ridge Elementary School: OREM, UT), Julie Siebach (Alpine School District: Loveland, OH)

Participants in this session will learn about NASA’s Heliophysics Big Year (Oct 23-Dec 24), including an annual eclipse, a total eclipse, and the culmination of the Parker Solar Probe Project. Learn the basic mechanics of how and why eclipses occur while engaging in low-cost and hands-on activities such as Sun Paper, UV Beads and Solar Radiation, and how to make a cereal box viewer. Attendees will enjoy engaging activities while learning about the next total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and completely blocks the face of the Sun. Those in the path of totality will experience a total eclipse and the sky will become very dark as if it were dawn or dusk. If the skies are clear, people can even see the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, with their own eyes. Learn about these solar eclipses as well as NASA’s Solar Eclipse Toolkit, including lesson plans, activities, safety guides, videos, and so much more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the upcoming solar eclipse, explore resources within NASA STEM’s Solar Eclipse Toolkit, learn how to view the eclipse safely with their students, and walk away with standards-aligned hands-on activities that can be shared with students in both formal and informal settings.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Sagirah Wheeler (NASA Education Specialist: Baltimore, MD), Monica Uribe (NASA: Kyle, TX)

As third grade teachers in a STEAM school, we continuously work to create, plan, improve our science curriculum. Teachers who join us will learn how we apply the three-dimensions to our science planning while actively participating in our natural disaster unit. We will lead a discussion on how we breakdown and integrate the 3-dimensions of NGSS science in our unit plan. We will then showcase core instructional practices by completing an activity from our unit. During this time, participants will grow in their understanding through hands-on learning and journaling. They will leave with the natural disaster unit, along with materials to recreate this in their own classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of the three-dimensions of the NGSS. We will break apart each of the three dimensions to see what they are, how they guide us, and how they make science more attainable within our classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Witherspoon (3rd Grade Teacher: Nixa, MO), Amanda Fenley (5th Grade Teacher: NIXA, MO), Daesha Parks (3rd Grade Teacher: Nixa, MO)

Learn a design process for creating three-dimensional assessment tasks that support instruction and student learning. Participants will be introduced to each phase: unpacking dimensions, developing integrated dimension maps, articulating learning performances, identifying phenomena, and designing tasks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the steps of a systematic process for designing three-dimensional tasks that align with NGSS performance expectations, take into consideration students’ diverse backgrounds, and can be used in classrooms to provide information to teachers and students to improve learning.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Krajcik (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI)

NGSS emphasize the integration of disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in ways that reflect real-world practices. Integration has shown to enhance students' interest in multiple content areas, improve their attitudes toward the discipline, and develop life-long learning skills. Integration can be challenging without proper support and resources. The Task Analysis Tool (TAT) is a graphic organizer tool and a practical process that supports the meaningful, intentional, and purposeful integration of content and skills within a lesson. The TAT has proven to be beneficial for designing student-centered lessons, identifying integration points, and collaborating with others. This 60-minute workshop proposal aims to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the TAT, its significance, related research, potential applications, and to interact with the tool by applying it to their personal lesson or activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants in this workshop will gain knowledge of the TAT; how it can be used and applied in their personal contexts. In addition, participants will be given digital and physical resources, including their own adaptable TAT that they can take with them and use immediately in their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Britt Miller (George Mason University: Winchester, VA)

The Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry are important topics that should be explicitly taught to students, because research tells us that students do not implicitly pick up on the ideas of NOS through just engaging in science. They must engage in direct conversations and activities that address what Science is and how it operates. These conversations should be grounded in accessible phenomena and activities so every student has the opportunity to develop their understanding. The NOS is foundational to being able to engage effectively in science and understanding science at is most basic and conceptual level, as emphasized by the K-12 Framework and NGSS. This session will share some simple activities through rotation stations that can quickly be used throughout the course of a science class to help students discuss and engage in ideas about the Nature of Science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. It is important to explicitly teach the nature of science to students; 2. The nature of science should be presented in an accessible way to all students; and 3. Attendees will walk away with activities they can use in their class immediately to teach the NOS.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

The purpose of this session is to engage participants as learners in the process of making sense of a phenomenon through engaging in scientific practices. The modeled lesson provides attendees with a shared learning experience similar to that of a typical science classroom, seeded with instructional strategies designed to support their sensemaking before, during, and after an investigation. Attendees will be introduced to a phenomenon, provided materials to carry out an investigation, given a model scaffold to record their thinking, and a talk tool to support equitable idea sharing and listening. They will reflect on their experience as learners, debriefing sensemaking strategies, and using the four attributes of sensemaking (phenomena, science and engineering practices, student ideas, and science ideas) to reflect on the model lesson and their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of how key science practices work in tandem to support student sensemaking and will experience tools like model scaffolds, driving question boards, and talk tools designed to support learners in explaining phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Alex Gerber (Instructional Specialist: University City, MO), Heather Milo (Washington University in St. Louis: University City, MO)

In this session, teachers will explore the concept of wonder and how it can be applied to teaching and learning. Through activities and discussion, teachers will gain an understanding of the importance of wonder in the classroom. Educators will also learn how to embed wonder into their lessons through creative strategies, such as using hands-on activities, engaging visuals, and technology-based activities, focusing deeply on making space for student sensemaking and exploration. Additionally, teachers will explore how to connect wonder to curricular standards and create lesson templates that promote exploration and discovery. Teachers will also reflect on what they have learned and brainstorm ways to implement a culture of wonder in their classrooms. AND HAVE A GOOD TIME DOIN' IT

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave the session understanding how sensemaking is supported through our NGSS standards. They will have time to explore and understand methods that inspire student thinking and wonder.

SPEAKERS:
Jacey Suda (John Thomas School of Discovery Partner School: Nixa, MO), Hannah Buckner (John Thomas School of Discovery Partner School: Nixa, MO)

There is a growing call for both making early field experiences more impactful for preservice teachers and developing a stronger connection between methods courses and field experiences. The development of core practices is rooted in K-12 classroom instruction and is intended to serve as an answer to this call for a stronger connection (Windschitl et al, 2012). The goal of this research study was to collect feedback from preservice secondary science teachers in an early field experience, the methods instructors, and the cooperating teachers to design a tool based on a few select core practices that would be used to help create a more focused and insightful observational experience in the secondary science classroom. Attendees to the session will have an opportunity to develop their understanding of core practices and learn how this tool can be used in the secondary classroom to frame the experiences of a preservice teacher who is observing the teacher in action.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this session, you will learn how this observational tool can be used by preservice teachers as a means to guide their early field experience, as well as how you can use this tool to highlight your pedagogical practices, or as a basis for feedback you give to students you host in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kraig Kitts (Graduate student: Franklin, IN)

In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price. Learn to recognize overwhelming stress—and what you can do about it. Most importantly, learn how to use the power of your senses to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused—no matter what life throws at you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to manage stress.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Azra Chughtai (NSTA: McLean, VA)

Digitized versions of Thomas Jefferson’s weather journal, Robert Hooke’s first drawings of cells, photographs from the Dust Bowl, and historic newspaper accounts of electric cars all provide opportunities to understand how scientists and engineers think, practice, and apply scientific principles in the real world; how scientific ideas evolve over time; and how science and engineering are related to society. The Library of Congress has millions of free primary sources online. This workshop will focus on how analyzing such sources can help K-12 teachers meet standards and teaching goals, particularly around the nature of science, practices of scientists, and how science, technology, and society interact. Library education experts will facilitate hands-on activities using primary sources and share ways teachers nationwide have used them. Participants will also leave with strategies for using primary sources to develop critical thinking skills and highlight interdisciplinary connections.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to access millions of free digitized primary sources and practice hands-on strategies for using them to promote critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of real-world scientific practices, the nature of science, and connections between science and society.

SPEAKERS:
Kelsey Beeghly (Einstein Fellow: Altamonte Springs, FL), Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Purcellville, VA)

Incorporating social studies and history into STEM education doesn’t have to be difficult. Situations and events from the past can be used to present phenomena to students. Explore how you can use real world events and situations from World War II to engage your students with observable phenomena. In this workshop session led by an educator from The National WWII Museum, educators will explore how to incorporate a story, situation, or event from WWII into a phenomenon that meets NGSS standards. All of the activities also have a reading to accompany them for an added literacy component. The stories and activities will all come from our free curriculums: Little Engineers and Real World Science. Attendees will receive a hard copy of each curriculum. During this workshop, the activities demonstrated will feature Victory Gardens (parts of plants, growing seeds) and Earn Your Wings (engineering challenge with paper airplanes) activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Incorporating social studies and history into STEM education doesn’t have to be difficult; situations and events from the past can be used to present phenomena to students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Goodner (Assistant Director of K-12 Programs: New Orleans, LA)

This is session #2 in the NSTA Professional Learning Committee's CCCs Conference Course and is designed to support K-12. Attendees will explore the Framework progression documents to understand what is appropriate for their grade level. They will learn about and engage in hands-on activities paired with talk strategies and protocols that focus classroom talk on making sense of observations and data using the Crosscutting Concepts. Attendees will have the chance to talk with fellow participants about how they might use these strategies and tools in their classroom or role and how they can be differentiated to be used at different grade levels. Participants will leave with a virtual toolbox of resources they can take home and apply right away in their sphere.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with discussion strategies and tools they can implement right away in classrooms to support student discourse and sensemaking anchored in the Crosscutting Concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Gilbert, AZ), Kimberley Astle (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Vancouver, WA)

What started as a silly experiment in a hotel parking lot Parking Lot Science has become a staple in K-6 exploration at John Thomas School of Discovery. Teachers who attend this session will participate in a cooperative, hands-on learning experience that will help showcase the importance of science in elementary education. The session will involve hands-on exploration and simple phenomena to implement in your everyday teaching. The session will then look at how creating a culture of science leads to a larger picture of student exploration and learning. Participants will have an open discussion about the state of science in their schools and the hurdles they face. We will brainstorm ways participants can create a “wonder” week or showcase of science at their school to highlight student learning throughout the year. The session will have singing, dancing, science, wonder, and a whole lot of laughter. Come join in on the learning experience and see what we can do with the power of wonder!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn different unique ways to expose students to wonder, receive ideas to create a culture of learning within their classroom, and participate in hands-on explorations that can be used all year long.

SPEAKERS:
Ryan Mahn (John Thomas School of Discovery Partner School: Nixa, MO), Joe Shaughnessy (John Thomas School of Discovery Partner School: Nixa, MO)

Participants will learn about forms of energy and their transformations by experimenting through six stations. Stations cover potential and kinetic energy, endothermic and exothermic processes, radiant energy, thermal and motion energy, chemical energy, and electrical energy. Within each, there are multiple activities to showcase the energy transformations occurring. The stations will be set up with materials needed, a hypothesis prompt, procedure list, and a station guide for recording data. For example, a yo-yo stores gravitational potential energy when it is in your hand until it drops. When it drops, the yo-yo transforms the potential energy into motion. At the end of experimenting, participants will review a “What’s Happening” sheet that explains what form of energy and energy transformation occurred in that station, as well as how it’s tied to the real-world applications. NEED activities are free and easily differentiated at the elementary, intermediate, and secondary level.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to help students master forms of energy and their transformations and how it can be visualized in the world around them.

SPEAKERS:
Don Pruett, Jr. (Washington Science Teachers Association: Puyallup, WA)

Data literacy is integral to students engaging in real-world science and NGSS practices. However, it can be challenging to design data experiences that help students to develop deep understanding of data. The Building Blocks for Data Literacy (Hunter-Thomson & Schauffler, 2021) offers a developmental approach to the design of data experiences: Get Data, Explore Data, and Infer Meaning From Data. Each realm is further broken down into the functions that students should be encouraged to do with data. Session participants will experience a typical path through the data journey, including the opportunity to see how the decisions that we make as educators can shape what students take away from the data experience. Our focus in this session will be at the elementary grade level, but the Building Blocks are a continuum across the K-12 grade span. This work complements the ADVizE grant project (NSF #2142692), which supports the integration of data skills into preservice STEM Methods courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain an understanding of the way data literacy can be developed developmentally across the realms of Getting Data, Exploring Data and Inferring Meaning from Data.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: Santa Cruz, CA), Michael Jabot (SUNY Fredonia: Fredonia, NY)

Mi-STAR is a program at Michigan Technological University dedicated to quality NGSS-aligned curriculum since 2015. We listen carefully to teachers and respond with support. One of the struggles teachers mention most often is in scaffolding students to write CERs and arguments. In our presentation, we propose an addition to the traditional template: the scientific principles, which are then combined with evidence in the reasoning statement. Later, we add another part: a space for using persuasive writing to construct an argument. We model activities from our 5E lesson throughout. Teachers collaborate to create CERs, and to evaluate arguments written by others. Then, they construct their own arguments using a productive talk routine and persuasive language prompts. Participants gain confidence in supporting students to construct explanations and arguments, as well as get first-hand experience with a lesson, tools, and activities they can take back to their classroom for immediate use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with clear and concise definitions of reasoning, explanations, and argumentation, along with a lesson plan, activities, and templates to help students define and construct all three in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jenne VandePanne (Michigan Technological University/Newaygo Public Schools: Newaygo, MI), Chris Geerer (Mi-STAR: Rochester, MI)

One of the most powerful skills we can develop in our students to practice scientific literacy when they leave our classroom is the skill of critically evaluating information. This is particularly pertinent today with an uncharted landscape of misinformation and social media. We will share our experience as high school science teachers of explicitly incorporating the NGSS Scientific Practice of Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating information (SEP8) into our classrooms with proficiency-based assessment. We will share the research that influenced our work, resources that include scaffolds, activities, and assessments, and lastly, reflections and strategies after having explicitly taught and assessed evaluating information. After our first year teaching this scientific practice, we asked ourselves, "How had we not taught this skill before!?"

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be provided with a framework and resources to help students engage in arguably the most important skill needed for them to continue to develop their scientific literacy outside of and after school -- to critically evaluate information for themselves and for a functioning democracy.

SPEAKERS:
Brett Erdmann (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL), Thomas Wolfe (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

Homeothermic, or warm-blooded, animals have several game-changing advantages compared to ectothermic, or cold-blooded creatures. Yet in the real world of Nature, nothing is free, and a price must be paid for these advantages. In order to supply all cells with oxygen and fuel, warm-blooded animals require an enormous blood supply and an efficient circulatory system with a 4-chambered heart at the center of it all. In this session, participants will work with research-generated data to build a mathematical model that allows them to estimate their own blood volumes. In addition, we will look at metabolic data comparing warm and cold-blooded animals, and the oxygen requirements of each. Finally, we will evaluate the food input requirements of warm-blooded animals in cold environments compared to warm environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Being "warm-blooded" brings both good news and bad news for an animal. In this session, attendees will calculate their blood volume, why a 4-chambered heart is needed to move all that blood around, and how the circulatory system is the key to unlock all of these physiological phenomena!

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD: Sioux Falls, SD)

How do populations fluctuate in the Hudson River ecosystem, and how do these changes affect the larger ecological community? Using data and hands-on investigations, we will explore how food webs and the abiotic resources have changed in response to the zebra mussel invasion. Teachers will get a lesson explaining how the zebra mussel invasion affected the food web of the Hudson River and be able to explain at least two connections within the food web that were affected using evidence from provided data. Data will include charts and graphs that depict organisms commonly found in the Hudson. When utilizing this lesson in the classroom, students will know what lives in the Hudson River, and will be able to create & study a food web drawing to represent the organisms living in the river. They will also know that the Hudson River food web is changing in response to the zebra mussel invasion, and will be able to make predictions about how native organisms will be affected by this invasion.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will get a lesson explaining how the zebra mussel invasion affected the food web of the Hudson River and be able to explain at least two connections within the food web that were affected using evidence from provided data.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Pennywell (Cardiff Junior High School: KATY, TX), Sandra Rodriguez (Katy ISD: Katy, TX)

Slides with diagrams of the anatomy of the larynx are shown with the parts & functions being described to participants. As the anatomy is being taught there will be breaks for participants to talk to each other while feeling their throats, chest, nose, mouth, jaw, etc to feel the vibrations & notice how damping the vibrations changes how participants sound to themselves & others. Next, videos of an opera singer in an MRI machine are shown to see the anatomy in action. After this whistles, & recorders will be passed out for participants to play the same note but hear the difference in sound. A visualizer showing the relative amplitude of each frequency is used as participants play so they can see that each instrument creates its own unique set of waves in addition to the fundamental tone that is being played. The process is repeated for multiple singers that are singing the same note.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to use direct instruction, demonstrations, and short activities to explain the basics of how human voices are able to produce sound, why each person/instrument has a unique sound, and why your voice sounds different to you than it does on recordings.

SPEAKERS:
Brendan Emig (Middle/Upper School Choral Director: Houston, TX), Clark Ellis (The Kinkaid School: Houston, TX)

Opportunities abound for young people to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a range of settings outside of the classroom. They can engage with STEM in summer camps, after-school programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and even trendy birthday parties. Numerous studies document the benefits of effective out-of-school STEM learning—e.g., increased interest in STEM, enriched knowledge of STEM ideas, enhanced confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Given the benefits of out-of-school STEM learning and to increase access to high-quality STEM experiences for our middle schoolers, we developed an after-school program for them to enjoy STEM in engaging, authentic, and relevant ways. We will (1) share the framework/commitments that guided the design of our “Out-of-School and Into STEM” club, (2) model an abbreviated club session, and (3) provide resources for participants that may be helpful in designing their own out-of-school STEM experiences for students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with a framework and resources to guide the design of an out-of-school STEM Club and participate in a design-based club activity.

SPEAKERS:
Raven Brzeszkiewicz (Indianapolis Public Schools: Indianapolis, IN), Jared Simoneaux (Longfellow IB World School: Kokomo, IN), Megan Johnson (Longfellow Middle School: Indianapolis, IN), Lynn Bryan (Purdue University: West Lafayette, IN)

This is session #3 in the PL Committee CCCs Pathway and is designed to support K-12. Participants will explore the Framework progression documents to understand what is appropriate for their grade level in relation to the Crosscutting Concept of Patterns. They will learn about and engage with a few effective instructional strategies, including the I2 Strategy from BSCS (Identify and Interpret), and how to use a “slow reveal” approach to help students make sense of data and graphs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of online sources for obtaining data for students to analyze and interpret. Participants will leave with a virtual toolbox of resources they can take home and immediately apply in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with sensemaking strategies for engaging students in the Science and Engineering Practice of Analyzing and Interpreting Data, through the lens of the Crosscutting Concept of Patterns, that can immediately be implemented with students!

SPEAKERS:
Kimberley Astle (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Vancouver, WA), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Gilbert, AZ)

Are science journals getting in the way of your students learning? Are they becoming just "another" thing we have students do in their everyday routine? Time to spice up those science journals! Join us as we explore the science behind journals and notebooks, discuss best practices for science journaling, and highlight resources that work. Don't let journaling get in the way. Embrace student's writing and learn how to make science journals work for you. Participants will learn how to set up science journals at the beginning of the year, do different experiments and activities to show how to use science journals, and review best strategies to use for student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
How do you introduce journals, organize, maintain, scafforld, etc., while teaching students to use it as their own personal tool? Teachers would walk away with a better understanding of how to make journals meaningful to students and help me see/understand their learning.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Shaughnessy (John Thomas School of Discovery Partner School: Nixa, MO)

Finding causes, treatments, and cures for diseases is “STEM on the front-lines.” Without all four components of the STEM model firmly set in place, any serious medical research is destined to fail. Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD has formed an “all-star research team” that is committed to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Breast Cancer. In this session, we will highlight the progress that is being made in solving the T1D and Breast Cancer puzzles. Using interactive virtual activities, participants will develop an understanding of the difference between a body that is functioning normally and one that has developed T1D or Breast Cancer. We will wrap up the session with a discussion of the paths that Sanford Research is taking in their quest to help cure the disease. All discussion of human anatomy and physiology will be at a gentle introductory level.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using real case studies, attendees will follow the journeys of a breast cancer survivor and a teenage Type I Diabetic, from diagnosis through treatment.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD: Sioux Falls, SD)

This session is geared towards new teachers and veteran teachers alike, who are interested in supporting their students with literacy strategies. Students can struggle to access information from nonfiction text, however, with the right tools they can not only learn science, but be able to use that knowledge in the classroom without the instructor lecturing on that information. By developing their skills in pre, during and post reading they will become more confident in their science literacy and be able to use it as evidence in their daily practices. Some of the strategies in the presentation include: anticipation guides, vocabulary front loading, chunking, annotating, gist statements and vocabulary connections. The audience will learn about several strategies, as well as experience a lesson from a student’s point of view. There will also be time allotted to create a classroom ready lesson from text with support from the presenters.

TAKEAWAYS:
The main takeaways from our session are ready to use pre, during, and post reading strategies that work for a variety of grade levels and with a variety of texts.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Warkins (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Mundelein, IL), Kellie Dean (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

Students learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways. How can we meet them where they are and move them forward? Enrichment, Practice and Remediation are lessons designed to focus on a science concept (or cluster of concepts) for students to actively engage in accessible learning. EPRs include active learning experiences designed to support students continuing to learn based on their needs. Some students will be ready to dig deeper into the concept, while others might need a little more time for mastery. Experience your own learning by looking at an example score, becoming a student, and joining others as you learn through an enrichment, practice, or remediation activity

TAKEAWAYS:
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation allows us to meet students where they are and move them in their science knowledge. EPR will help supervisors, coaches, and teachers understand, visualize, and experience what differentiated learning in science looks like and how simple it can be.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Squires (The School District of Osceola County: Saint Cloud, FL)

Science does not exist in a vacuum. From environmental policy, to public health issues, to the regulation of food, drugs, and dangerous materials, addressing socio-scientific challenges requires an understanding of both scientific concepts and social contexts. Analyzing historical primary sources from the Library of Congress – including photographs, political cartoons, newspapers, maps and more – can provide students with an opportunity to reflect on this interplay between science and society and offer insights into how citizens and scientists have contributed to social change. The Library has millions of primary sources free online. In this workshop, Library education experts will facilitate hands-on activities using select primary sources and share ways that teachers have used them with students. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for engaging students in primary source analysis to build critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of socio-scientific issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to access millions of free digitized primary sources and practice hands-on strategies to help students gain critical thinking skills while they reflect on the connections between science, society, and social change through authentic historical examples.

SPEAKERS:
Kelsey Beeghly (Einstein Fellow: Altamonte Springs, FL), Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Purcellville, VA)

A meta-learning experience of Claim Evidence Reasoning for participants to experience best practices first hand. Intro Activity: Reflect and share their level of knowledge with CER Explore the CER framework and the importance of each component Guiding Question: How can we deeply incorporate CER throughout an entire concept? Claim What is a claim? Benefits of teaching CER? How do we support students in stating claims? Activity: Make your claim about the guiding question after they explore an engaging phenomena. Observations to Evidence What is evidence? Why is it important? How do we build students' muscles to collect quality evidence? Activity: Explore several examples of evidence and use a rubric to determine the quality of evidence. Reasoning and closing Share criteria for a strong reasoning and how students can differentiate evidence from reasoning Activity: Look through reasoning examples, highlight key components based on the criteria. Close out with a 3-2-1 reflection

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to improve evidence-based writing skills and communicate scientific knowledge exploring each component of CER. Specifically, how students can construct clear claims, select appropriate evidence to support their claims, and how reasoning ties together claim and evidence.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Bouldry-Morrison (Standards Alignment Specialist: Barrington, NH), Anna Meyer (Pickerington Local School District: Pickerington, OH)

eCYBERMISSION is a free online STEM competition for students in grades 6-9 that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and real-life applications of STEM. The competition’s phenomenon-based learning approach encourages students to investigate challenges in their community while developing critical thinking and problem-solving. We’ll discuss how you can utilize the standards-aligned resources, grants and student awards worth thousands of dollars to engage students. We’ll also form teams to compete in our own mini-eCYBERMISSION competition. You’ll choose a community challenge, develop a plan to explore it and apply STEM concepts throughout the process. The winning team will even walk away with a special prize! This session is aimed at STEM educators who are looking for innovative ways to engage their students. Join us as we discover how eCYBERMISSION can enhance your students' learning experience! eCYBERMISSION is part of the Army Educational Outreach Program and administered by NSTA.

TAKEAWAYS:
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that is supported by a wealth of standards-aligned resources. Attendees will discover strategies to utilize student-chosen local phenomena as the basis for long-term projects while participating in a rewarding STEM competition.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: Bettendorf, IA), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

Crosscutting Concepts, the links between different science disciplines, can be challenging to use as an anchoring storyline activity. However, it can be one of the best ways to engage students, as they can make personal connections between different domains. Teachers will begin by becoming familiar with the NGSS Appendix G Systems and System Models progression, identifying essential learning by grade. Then, they will investigate how this CCC has been built into a storyline anchor, extending this concept from the initial activity (involving video games) into a different aspect of science–climate modeling. Teachers leave prepared to utilize this storyline in the classroom. Upon completion, students will be able to identify the factors used in climate models and create a model that depicts the flow of energy/matter in a climate system. They will also be able to express the reliability and validity of climate models. Resources: https://ncse.ngo/supporting-teachers/classroom-resources

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with a better understanding of how to use the Systems and Systems Modeling Crosscutting Concept to help students analyze the precision and reliability limitations of past and present climate models, dispelling major misconceptions about climate science along the way.

SPEAKERS:
Blake Touchet (National Center for Science Education: ABBEVILLE, LA), Michael Lowry (McCallie School: Chattanooga, TN), Lin Andrews (Independent Contractor: Wichita, KS)

It is often thought that a makerspace activity is something that is nice to do with students, but not a necessity. Yet when makerspace activities are integrated into daily instruction, it can open many avenues that promote an inclusive classroom. This workshop will focus on strategies and ways to use makerspace to promote student voice and choice for areas of concept development, empathy-driven problem solving, and assessment. Participants will explore the key elements of makerspace and examine ways to use makerspace challenges to support sense-making. The discussion will also focus on the idea that makerspace activities can nudge all students to consider multiple ways of solving problems, thus enhancing their “out of the box” thinking. As part of this session, participants will explore different strategies in using makerspace to introduce a phenomenon, model a phenomenon, and assess students' understanding on three different dimensions of learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore makerspace challenges and activities as a means to provide student voice and choice in how they make sense of a phenomenon, a solution to a problem, and core ideas while demonstrating their understanding of core ideas as a means of assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Detwiler (Gary Adult High School: Valrico, FL)

More than 10,000 observers submitted data to GLOBE collecting more than 20,000 cloud observations with 60,000 photos and 80,000 air temperature measurements using the GLOBE Observer app during the Total Solar Eclipse on August 21st, 2017. The data was used by scientists around the world. Educators will learn how to upload data to GLOBE as citizen scientists in the GLOBE Observer App. The latest updates from NASA will be shared including these current sites on the solar eclipse. The NASA data provides teachers with lesson plans written in 5-E format and activities for students to do. Educators will receive a brief introduction on the protocols used. As a citizen scientist, educators can enter data without going through the GLOBE trainings. Examples of student research projects on the 2017 Solar Eclipse will illustrate the work that can be done by students. Supports NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and following NGSS standards: MS-ESS1-1 and HS-ESS1-1.

TAKEAWAYS:
Contribute to a citizen science database used by scientists to study the effects of eclipses on the atmosphere. Learn how to access NASA resources including teacher lesson plans to use in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Janet Struble (: Fenton, MO)

The workshop will provide participants with the following information and learning experiences: 1.) Where and when the solar eclipse will be visible, including how to find what will specifically happen in their location. 2.) Three-Dimensional learning strategies to use with their students to understand what causes both lunar and solar eclipses, including what causes lunar phases and how knowing what causes lunar phases is key to knowing when eclipses occur. 3.) How to safely observe the eclipse using a variety of observing strategies. 4.) Suggestions for how to make the most of the eclipse as a school and/or community-wide event. 5.) What overall resources that NSTA has to help them make the most of this celestial event.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will come away with 3-D teaching strategies for students to understand the science behind eclipses, plus safe viewing strategies and ways to make the event a school-wide experience.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Schatz (Institute for Learning Innovation: Seattle, WA)

Presenters will start by highlighting place based-learning and how to create experiences through hands-on learning using NGSS standards. Then, the presentation will focus heavily on open discussions to answer questions on how we have successfully created STEAM-based projects that integrate all learning areas. Participants will then start creating their own learning experiences for their classroom by focusing on the four major questions of a Professional Learning Community: What will students do? How will they do it? How will we know they've learned it? What will we do if they don't? Last, the focus on how to bridge the gap between passion and standards will help us move forward in the creation of STEAM-based units. Participants will walk away with gained knowledge in NGSS standards, unit creation/template, and a better understanding of place-based and STEAM-based projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will collaborate with educators to form learning experiences they can apply in their classrooms, receive a unit template to help organize thoughts, and discuss ways to break out of the traditional mold of education.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Shaughnessy (John Thomas School of Discovery Partner School: Nixa, MO)

Mi-STAR, now also known outside of Michigan as Anchored Science, is a program at Michigan Technological University dedicated to quality NGSS-aligned curriculum since 2015. We listen carefully to teachers and respond with support. Consistently we’ve heard teachers request materials that will help them promote literacy in their science classrooms. In response, we’ve worked with West Ed's Reading Apprenticeship specialists and classroom teachers to develop both integrated instructional practices and optional reading support materials. Our literacy activities are designed with strategies to promote metacognition and model the text interactions of skilled readers for students of all reading levels. We’d like to share our journey, and also share some examples and templates for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Come see how this approach can promote literacy and equity in science.

TAKEAWAYS:
A selection of Anchored Science by Mi-STAR examples and templates for scaffolded literacy supports will be provided. Use them with your own texts in your classroom next week!

SPEAKERS:
Jenne VandePanne (Michigan Technological University/Newaygo Public Schools: Newaygo, MI), Chris Geerer (Mi-STAR: Rochester, MI)

If the ultimate goal is for students to understand from experiences, we must carefully consider our professional practices. While hands-on learning can naturally be engaging for students, the experiences must be carefully woven into the flow of instruction to produce the desired outcomes. An important finding from America’s Lab report is that many students view science as a “false dichotomy,” meaning that students think that the hands-on, “doing” part of science is separate from content (Singer, Hilton, and Schweingruber 2006). As a result, the desired outcomes are for students to discard incorrect ideas, accept the most accurate scientific explanations, and for students to learn the nature by which these scientific explanations are generated. Explore-before-explain teaching allows teachers to meet these goals by providing students with immediate experiences to form accurate understandings; and connecting students’ claims to scientifically accepted explanations.

TAKEAWAYS:
An overview of essential planning considerations covers becoming an “explore-before-explain” teacher and designing lessons that use the assets all students bring to learning science.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Brown (Fort Zumwalt School District R-II: Saint Charles, MO), Anne Green (Fort Zumwalt School District R-II: OFallon, MO)

The hexagonal thinking strategy stems from a business background and made its way into the secondary education realm in the past five years. It has not been utilized in the elementary setting, so I joined with a local 4th grade classroom teacher to determine the best way to implement the activity with younger students. The strategy is simple: the teacher creates a set of hexagons for each group with vocabulary and concepts. The students work together to determine connections and how everything is interrelated. It is then glued to a large paper and annotated with students' thoughts about the connections. At the same time, the most important aspect is the conversation among students throughout the activity. We conducted six classroom sessions over the course of 3 months to find what worked and what did not. We also collected student work, quotes, and videos with feedback from students. Although the focus was on science , we included a variety of topics and cross-curricular sessions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience the strategy from a student POV and learn the process of implementation for a variety of settings (traditional and digital) and materials. Examples of student work will also be shown.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Thomas (University of Southern Indiana: Evansville, IN), Simone Nance (University of Southern Indiana: Newburgh, IN)

Understanding the nature and process of science is critical to scientific literacy. When students engage in the practices of science, they are more likely to integrate science as part of their own identities (Gee, 2007). To do this successfully, students must reflect on what they are doing and why, along with comparing their strategies to those of professional scientists (NRC, 2011). In this session, participants will examine their own conceptions of the nature and process of science, make connections to pedagogical frameworks (NGSS SEPs & CCCs), engage as students to use the Flowchart Mapping tool from the Understanding Science project to trace their approach to figuring out a biological phenomenon about why blue whales are so big, compare their process to that of the scientists investigating the phenomenon, and reflect on how they might use this tool and strategy in their own classrooms with other phenomena or lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the Science Flowchart interactive journaling tool to illuminate the dynamic nature and process of science, and how to apply the tool to any phenomenon or lesson in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Roy (Science and Digital Learning Coordinator: Lincoln, NE), Betsy Barent (Lincoln Public Schools: Lincoln, NE)

No one disputes the need for effective daily science instructions for elementary children, yet, only 20% of K-3 students and 35% of grades 4-6 students have access to daily science instruction, according to Cafarell, et.al. (2017). Elementary teachers are challenged to get in daily meaningful science instruction. There is a need to design science lessons that are powerful in impacting student learning and economize the curriculum time. The purpose of this session is to explore the “Workshop Model” instructional layout as a means to deliver meaningful science experiences. This model of instruction has a “tried-and-true” history in literacy and mathematics. The instructional model segments the time into 3 areas: opening, work session, and closing. The session will use a lesson on Earth’s Systems where students open the unit by observing a phenomenon, then move into stations or work sessions, and use student lead closing so students can formalize their understanding of the phenomenon.

TAKEAWAYS:
The workshop model isn’t just for math and literacy—elementary teachers can use this instructional approach to fit effective, engaging, hands-on science lessons into their daily instructional routine.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Bodner (Cobb County Schools & GSTA Board of Directors: Smyrna, GA)

Students learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways. How can we meet them where they are and move them forward? Enrichment, Practice and Remediation are lessons designed to focus on a science concept (or cluster of concepts) for students to actively engage in accessible learning. EPRs include active learning experiences designed to support students continuing to learn based on their needs. Some students will be ready to dig deeper into the concept, while others might need a little more time for mastery. Experience your own learning by looking at an example score, becoming a student, and joining others as you learn through an enrichment, practice, or remediation activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation allows us to meet students where they are and move them in their science knowledge. EPR will help supervisors, coaches, and teachers understand, visualize, and experience what differentiated learning in science looks like and how simple it can be.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Squires (The School District of Osceola County: Saint Cloud, FL)

Look across the Essential Elements of Leadership, Resources, and Coherence, to identify enabling conditions for curriculum-based professional learning to ensure that ALL teachers are prepared to leverage high-quality materials as they provide meaningful learning experiences for ALL students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain concrete ideas about how you, as a leader, can plan for effective curriculum-based professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Hopkins-Evans (BSCS Science Learning: Wayne, PA)

(This workshop is geared toward classrooms of all grade levels with minimal technology available.) Teachers will experience what it is like to be a student in a unique and engaging modern classroom that uses innovative methods that place students in the center of their learning. Their assignments will be to view examples from science classrooms currently using the model, and create components of a modern classroom using content from their own courses or provided samples. By completing this workshop, teachers will have a better understanding of how to use technology with blended instruction, mastery learning, and self-paced structures that incorporate collaboration, projects, and hands-on learning into a modern classroom to effectively reach the needs of every student, and receive valuable next steps to begin transforming their teaching and create a Classroom of the Future.

TAKEAWAYS:
​​Participants will experience this model as students as they explore low-tech blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based grading. They will then begin to apply these concepts to their own lessons and units using the toolbox of samples, templates, and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Sumala Paidi (Teacher: Cedar Hill, TX), Julie Gastler (Hickman High School: Columbia, MO)

Students learn and develop at different speeds and in different ways. How can we meet them where they are and move them forward? Enrichment, Practice and Remediation are lessons designed to focus on a science concept (or cluster of concepts) for students to actively engage in accessible learning. EPRs include active learning experiences designed to support students continuing to learn based on their needs. Some students will be ready to dig deeper into the concept, while others might need a little more time for mastery. Experience your own learning by looking at an example score, becoming a student, and joining others as you learn through an enrichment, practice, or remediation activity

TAKEAWAYS:
Enrichment, Practice, and Remediation allows us to meet students where they are and move them in their science knowledge. EPR will help supervisors, coaches, and teachers understand, visualize, and experience what differentiated learning in science looks like and how simple it can be.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Squires (The School District of Osceola County: Saint Cloud, FL)

This course is designed to introduce participants to the Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA) design approach including unpacking dimensions, developing integrated dimension maps, articulating learning performances, identifying phenomena, and designing tasks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the steps of a systematic process for designing 3-dimensional tasks that align with NGSS performance expectations, take into consideration students’ diverse backgrounds, and can be used in classrooms to provide information to teachers and students to improve learning.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Krajcik (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI), Christopher Harris (WestEd: Menlo Park, CA)

Countless studies have found that teachers are struggling to support students in maintaining focus, finding self-worth, and being intrinsically creative learners. Gamification provides the building blocks for engagement, community, healthy competition, and self motivation, and works with any grade level and any subject. With gamification, students can use their creativity in learning choices and earn incentives based around curricular and extracurricular themes. Student examples from a sixth grade science classroom include reviewing challenges that emphasize content and game elements. Participants in this session will gain the initial building blocks to create their own game for their classrooms that is manageable and can be enhanced over time. Activities will include defining gamification and creating their own game theme. During the session, the participant will participate in a game challenge by using a choice board to explore and expand the strategies and methods of gamification.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will begin the journey of gamifying their classroom right away. They will also leave with resources to use to continue their gamification journey.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Simmons (Klahowya Secondary School: Bremerton, WA)

Case Studies are stories with an educational message. Learn how case studies engage learners, develop critical thinking, and enhance collaborative and communication skills. You will experience a case and try to solve a real-world mystery of a woman who was told she was not her children’s mother.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience a case study as learners, reflect on the experience and on the pedagogical potential, and discuss ways to use the technique effectively. They will explore NSTA’s collection of almost 1000 freely accessible case studies in all STEM disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Annie Prud'homme-Généreux (University of British Columbia: North Vancouver, BC)

Participants will be engaged in multiple strategies that include mandatory engagement and collaboration. Many of the activities also include movement. The strategies can be implemented the week they return in any classroom with any subject area. Activities range from a Tea Party (science/literacy) activity, card sorts, and data collecting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a variety of strategies to engage students through collaboration and movement.

SPEAKERS:
Carol Moore (STEM West: Claremont, NC)

N/A

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to relieve pressure and regain control.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Azra Chughtai (NSTA: McLean, VA)

We know two things: 1) the purchase of new instructional materials represents a significant district investment and 2) effective classroom use of high-quality instructional materials improves student learning. NextGen TIME can help districts ensure investment in the best possible instructional materials and provide guidance on preparing teachers for effective use. NextGen TIME is a suite of tools and processes to support districts in evaluating, selecting, and implementing instructional materials designed for the NGSS. NextGen TIME is also designed as a professional learning experience for teachers to deepen their understanding of NGSS as they analyze instructional materials. It addresses the needs of states, districts, and schools for a deep understanding of the NGSS to make selection decisions for instructional materials, plan for implementation of those materials, and provide teacher professional learning that enables effective implementation of NGSS‐aligned teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NextGen TIME supports the evaluation of current instructional materials to strengthen their design for NGSS and how NextGen TIME tools and processes can serve as critical components of curriculum-based professional learning. You’ll walk away with free access to NextGen TIME resources.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD)

We will unpack the purpose of each phase within the design cycle (Ask-Imagine-Plan-Create-Improve) and the role it plays in developing and showcasing student understanding of scientific concepts and their development of SEPs. Students often jump quickly from asking questions to designing solutions. Participants will engage in an activity that emphasizes the importance of slowing down the engineering process to zoom in on intentional brainstorming and planning that encourages students to think creatively, yet logically, about their ideas. We will focus on helping students articulate their thinking and communicate their scientific ideas throughout the design process. We will look at how these ideas can be mirrored in the improve phase to allow students to reflect on their process, gather and communicate new findings, and purposefully redesign. Through well-developed design projects, elementary students can build strong scientific understanding and develop critical 21st-century skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away ideas for enhancing the engineering design process for their students in order to leverage student ideas and collaboration to create better engineering solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Trager (Graduate Student: Angier, NC)

Play along as we think, tinker, and wow like scientists and engineers! The session layout will be as follows: -Listen: Attendees will together listen to a short excerpt of the research-based podcast, Wow in the World. -Wonder: Attendees will individually use divergent thinking and creative innovation to reflect on the wonders and wows sparked from the podcast, and share insights with the room. -Tinker: In small groups, they will sort through their wonders and identify their One testable Big Wonder (their hypothesis) to investigate by communicating, collaborating, and critically thinking. -Make: In the same groups, they will be guided through a hands-on scientific experiment or engineering design project, and build confidence by sharing their findings in a multimedia presentation. -Debrief: Attendees will reflect on the classroom management and streamlined instruction practices that the instructors used in the session and how they can do the same.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to streamline PBL instruction, manage the classroom to develop 21st Century skills, and excite K-5 students about hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design using TinkerClass’ modular LISTEN, WONDER, TINKER, and MAKE experience.

SPEAKERS:
Carole Paterson (TinkerCast and Valley School of Ligonier: Laughlintown, PA), Rebecca Caban (Educational Producer: Brooklyn, NY)

The participants will follow a sequence of activities that align with a progression of the skills found in the PreK-2 engineering standards (NGSS). During the session, the participants will complete the hands-on activities in order to bring them back to their classrooms or modify them as they see fit. The first activity has the participants cut up a water cooler paper cup (cone shape) in order to maximize the “float time” after it was placed on a box fan pointed upwards. By watching the different designs, they will be encouraged to make a second design to test. The second activity has the participants making straw rockets using the following materials: plastic straw, clay, card stock. Using a straw rocket launcher, the participants will see how far their rocket goes. Last activity includes the designing and testing a sail for a car. Teaching materials will be provided, along with ways to encourage science fairs and family STEAM nights for elementary grades.

TAKEAWAYS:
During the session, the participants will complete hands-on STEAM activities that they can use or modify with their students the next day!!!

SPEAKERS:
Jeanine Doxsee (Franklin Early Childhood Center: Hauppauge, NY), Brian Terry (Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools: Hauppaugue, NY)

Case studies are stories with an educational message that capture & hold students’ attention. Cases come in all shapes/sizes for small/large classes. They include intimate debate, clicker, discussion, Problem-Based Learning, and jigsaw. Learn how to pick the most appropriate one for your class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave the workshop with a better understanding of several case study formats and will be able to choose the best one for their purpose. They will also discuss strategies for facilitating each one most effectively. The NSTA case collection has almost 1,000 selections.

SPEAKERS:
Annie Prud'homme-Généreux (University of British Columbia: North Vancouver, BC)

Participants in this workshop will learn to plan and design a 5E unit and engage in an example 5E unit on the Isle Royale wolves. They'll explore the history of the wolf population, generate questions for a driving question board, and participate in hands-on activities that integrate science and engineering practices. Through data collection, analysis, research, and making claims supported by evidence, participants will learn how to effectively integrate the 5E model for inquiry-based instruction into their teaching practice. The workshop will also provide resources and strategies for differentiation and inclusion, making science accessible and engaging for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to effectively use the 5E model for inquiry-based instruction to engage students in science education. Gain strategies for designing and assessing instruction, and see how the 5E model supports student engagement, understanding, and achievement.

SPEAKERS:
Kara Ball (Teacher Created Material: Huntingtown, MD)

Universal Design for Learning Science: Reframing Elementary Instruction in Physical Science (NSTA Press, 2020) -- With this practical book, teachers can learn from experienced elementary school educators about how to make physical science both challenging and accessible for a diverse range of students. In our session, authors will be sharing examples and experiences with using the 5E instructional framework and principles of Universal Design for Learning to transform their science instruction. Participants will learn how to identify barriers to students' learning within their curriculum/lessons and develop solutions for their specific students using the 3 principles of UDL. Participants will also use a storyline lens to examine the conceptual coherence of their lessons. We'll use a combination of personal testimonials, small group discussion, and team "teaching tasks" to prepare attendees to create more inclusive science learning. Attendees do not need copies of the book to participate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use Universal Design for Learning and the 5E Learning Cycle to create learning experiences that are accessible for all students, especially students with disabilities, and that support student sensemaking through coherent conceptual storylines.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Hanuscin (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA)

This presentation is designed to help teachers deepen their understanding of the effective and practical strategies to facilitate academic discourse that promotes inclusive science and STEM classrooms. Participants will engage in a variety of instructional strategies to ensure that all students have access to scientific discourse and opportunities to collaborate with peers through intentional planning. Participants will engage in a variety of formative assessment classroom techniques (FACTS) from Page Keeley’s Uncovering Student Ideas texts, including commit and toss, sticky bars, structured think-pair-share, and more. In addition, we will be discussing the shift away from traditional talk patterns-- like I-R-E (Initiate, Response, Evaluation) and towards Productive Talk to promote an inclusive science and STEM classroom. Finally, participants will leave with a virtual toolbox of resources for additional discourse strategies they can immediately apply in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of shifts in classroom talk patterns, like moving away from the I-R-E talk pattern and towards Productive Talk. Attendees will engage with practical and effective discourse strategies that promote inclusive and productive classroom discourse.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Gilbert, AZ)

The Framework for K-12 Science Education and NGSS calls for 3-D learning grounded in authentic phenomena and problems to ensure relevant learning for all students. Instructional materials design helps achieve these synergistic goals and create meaningful classroom sensemaking and learning. The BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model succeeds the 5Es and utilizes authentic phenomena/problems to anchor multiple cycles of inquiry and sensemaking, culminating with student explanations/design solutions. AIL employs science education research emphasizing coherence from students’ perspective. In this session, participants will: 1) consider how AIL integrates elements of the 5E instructional model, NextGen Science storylines, and problem-based learning instructional models; 2) experience a sample lesson to deepen their understanding of the approach, and 3) consider their own education contexts and how they can apply AIL to design meaningful learning experiences for their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
The research-based BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model succeeds the 5Es and leverages authentic phenomena/problems to anchor cycles of inquiry and sensemaking. This approach provides instructional coherence from students’ perspective, equitable access, and motivation for ALL learners.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Hopkins-Evans (BSCS Science Learning: Wayne, PA), Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

We will begin by introducing our approach to standards-based learning and providing curriculum documents such as our learning scales derived from the NGSS Science & Engineering practices and Unit “Know, Understand, Do” documents (format adopted from Carol Ann Tomlinson). Participants then engage in a complete learning cycle from the student point of view. This will include a mini task to engage in content and skill development, followed by a formative assessment. We will then share our strategies for self assessment and follow up with a differentiated activity to move participants towards proficiency before showing the summative assessment. Following this learning cycle, participants will have the opportunity to think about or collaborate with others around ways to apply their learning in their own contexts. They will have access to digital examples of content and skill pairings, as well as an opportunity to engage on an individual or small group basis with the presenters.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with practical applications and examples of skill and content-based instruction and assessment after experiencing an abbreviated learning cycle. This will include science phenomena, differentiated instructional activities, formative assessment, and summative assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Lemieux (Champlain Valley Union High School: Hinesburg, VT), Rae Bronenkant (Science Teacher: Huntington, VT), Sam Parker (Science teacher: Hinesburg, VT), Carly Brown (Champlain Valley Union High School: Huntington, VT)

There is an explosion of data all around us to teach our science standards. But can we use them to help our students struggle less with data? Yes! Come unpack “Analyzing & Interpreting Data” in ways that invite all learners into the discussion. We will explore strategies for finding high-quality datasets and discuss different approaches to integrate real-time data into our teaching to better build data skills. We will discuss how to foster science learning for all students. These short practice sessions that are low-floor-high-ceiling have powerful returns-on-investment in terms of building students' confidence and competence with data skills. We will discuss what this could mean for our teaching. Participants will increase their toolkit of strategies to use data to enhance their current 6-12th grade instruction. Let’s leverage all this data around us to best prepare our learners for the 21st century of data!

TAKEAWAYS:
Identify ways to integrate low-floor-high-ceiling data activities using real-world data into existing curriculum to build data skills, engage learners, and teach your science.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: Santa Cruz, CA)

In this hands-on workshop, you will engage in an "assessment FOR learning" activity called Video Modeling. Video Modeling is a teaching technique developed at the intersection of multiple goals: (1) for students to build a strong foundation in disciplinary core ideas (DCIs) while engaging in 3-D learning, (2) to have students cooperatively & actively explain concepts, but to do so as a formative assessment that welcomes failure and reflection, and (3) to have students develop more ownership and agency along with SEL skills. Participants will understand the learning research Video Modeling is designed from, participate in the activity "as students", and see reflections, strategies, and action research from my experience of teaching and revising this method throughout my teaching career.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers can add to their toolbox an "assessment for learning" framework that can be employed with any DCI from any content area to support student engagement in the scientific practices and crosscutting concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Thomas Wolfe (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

In this workshop participants will explore their local agricultural commodities to determine which ones are a good fit with their grade level science standards. A year-long Farm-To-Plate unit will be shared, and participants will be active learners as they explore: • Crops (corn, wheat, sunflowers, sorghum): plant parts & needs, human and animal uses, baby vs adult, seed investigations, life cycle, and environmental concerns • Animals: human uses, life cycle, baby vs adult, needs, environmental concerns, characteristics • Technology: drones, ear tags, feeding/milking stalls, Tower Gardens, equipment • Agricultural Careers • Environment: bees, soil health • Nutrition: Farm-To-Plate process, fresh vs frozen, local Participants will play games, make projects, engage in partner work and group discussions, and explore these topics and their relationship with NGSS. When agricultural literacy and science standards are combined, students have a meaningful way to learn about their world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with learning ideas that use agricultural phenomena and the Farm-to-Plate process to teach life and earth science standards to young learners. Participants will engage in games and projects that combine agricultural literacy and NGSS in a fun and meaningful way!

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Smith (Heatherstone Elementary School: Olathe, KS)

In “Integrating Culturally Responsive Literacy Instructional Strategies with Science Teaching in K-3 Learning Spaces,” new science teachers will explore ways to implement the Three-Dimensional Science Teaching Framework and the tenets of Culturally Responsive Literacy Instruction (CRLI) to build equitable learning experiences for young learners. Participants will identify the tenets of the 3-D Science Framework and CRLI. Next, participants will explore the integration of literacy skills and science concepts. Finally, participants will create a lesson that incorporates the 3-D Science Framework and CRLI practices using K-3 learning objectives. This interactive workshop is designed to support participants in providing opportunities for learners to apply literacy skills while learning science concepts that relate to real world experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will provide opportunities for young learners to apply literacy skills while learning science concepts that relate to real-world experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Cletis Allen (CLETIS Education Consulting LLC: Atlanta, GA)

In this session we will discuss the strategies, approaches and the findings from an 18-month statewide project for systems-level change for content integration anchored in science. This project was created by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in collaboration with The Lawrence Hall of Science. Participants will engage in hands-on experiences, discussions, and presentations to learn about essential features for mutually supportive content integration and to reflect on and share their own efforts to advance content integration in their contexts. They will explore and take away the tools and strategies used in the project with teachers and instructional leaders and will have opportunities to share the conditions of their own contexts, reflect on how the strategies employed in this model may apply in their own systems, and identify entry points for beginning and/or advancing implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers and leaders will gain insight into the principles and definitions of content integration with science as the anchor and explore tools, strategies, and system-wide approaches they can use in their own context in order to identify their next step towards content integration.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Pedemonte (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

The HS-level NGSS practices of Analyzing Data (SEP 4) and Using Mathematical and Computational thinking (SEP 5) present a quandary: most HS-level curricula separate math into a rote set of instructional materials like the “stoichiometry unit” or the “forces calculations.” We illustrate a different approach, using OpenSciEd Biology, Chemistry, and Physics units to show how to meet the 3D vision of NGSS and not artificially separating content from mathematical modeling or calculations. By leveraging mathematical thinking contextually and just-in-time, students engage with these practices as sensemaking tools, deepening student understanding of the science and fluency in employing math in novel ways. We explore how complex engagement with these practices is supported in high school courses and discuss how to meet the demands of mathematical thinking in various contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leveraging data analysis and mathematical thinking in the context of meaningful phenomena and problems like food sovereignty, rather than frontloading rote math “skills,” helps students engage with these practices as sensemaking tools, deepening student understanding of both science and math.

SPEAKERS:
Wayne Wright (NSTA: Battle Creek, MI), Nicole Vick (Northwestern University: Avon, IL), Michael Novak (Northwestern University: Grayslake, IL)

The Framework for K-12 Science Education and NGSS calls for learning that is grounded in real world phenomena and problems to ensure that science learning is relevant to all students. The BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model succeeds the 5Es and utilizes complex and culturally relevant societal challenges to anchor multiple cycles of inquiry and sensemaking, culminating with student explanations/design solutions. AIL employs science education research emphasizing coherence from students’ perspective. In this session, participants will: 1) consider their own ideas about teaching complex societal challenges, 2) experience 3-D learning and sensemaking strategies and consider the science concepts of a societal challenge (e.g., antibiotic resistance, heart disease, food sustainability, anthropogenic changes to biodiversity), and 3) consider how using societal issues as anchoring phenomena and problems can motivate students and develop agency in addressing complex issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
The research-based BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model succeeds the 5Es and leverages complex societal issues as anchoring phenomena/problems, culminating tasks, and performance assessments in 3-D units of instruction to motivate students and develop agency in addressing these issues.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Hopkins-Evans (BSCS Science Learning: Wayne, PA), Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

After a brief introduction of session presenters and review of session norms, participants will be engaged in small group review and whole group discussion of a case study that provides evidence of why culture is important in the context of STEAM lessons. Following the case study, participants will be introduced to a Culturally Inclusive Lesson Planning Tool to enhance the participation of diverse learners from traditionally underrepresented students. The tool is grounded in culturally relevant research strategies that ensures that all students feel included in their specific classroom environment. The session will conclude with a debrief and evaluation of the experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Why are culturally inclusive strategies important in STEAM classrooms? How can you synthesize strategies that challenge and engage a diverse group of learners? In this session, we will reveal a planning tool that you can use to advocate for learner success in STEAM classroom settings.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC)

Explore tools you can use with students to help them visualize and create their science content. With Canva, Adobe Express, and Book Creator, you can allow students choice in the action and expression of their science content knowledge, supporting UDL in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Bring creativity into your 5'E classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Fielding (Prince William County Schools: Alexandria, VA)

Virtual reality is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. As a tool in education, VR can create immersive and interactive experiences that engage students in ways that traditional methods cannot. VR can be used to create virtual field trips, simulations, visualizations, and collaborative environments that allow students to explore, experiment, and learn in ways that were previously impossible. VR as an educational tool has the potential to improve student engagement, understanding, and retention. The immersive and interactive nature of VR can help students to better understand complex concepts and retain information more effectively. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that VR will become an increasingly important tool in education, providing new opportunities for learning and teaching. ClassVR (the platform we will use)can be used as an educational tool that not only engages the students but helps the educator teach!

TAKEAWAYS:
Virtual Reality as a teaching tool is a great way to engage and immerse your students and can help fill any gaps they may have from their personal experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Ashish Vadalia (Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation)

Throughout teaching Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) and General Biology, students often face academic challenges surrounding these two foundational courses. One intended method to overcome these challenges is to implement a preliminary online course that students can complete before starting the academic year. Attendees will discuss how to design their own preliminary online course through an interactive workshop (in electronic and hard-copy formats) with group-based activities (e.g., discussions and demos) for any college-level biology course. We will also demonstrate various methods and assessments (e.g., recorded videos, quizzes, virtual escape rooms) best suited for students who choose to take the prep course through our findings at our current college. A sample of our current preliminary online courses can be found via this link: https://sites.google.com/springfieldcollege.edu/bioprepcoursessc/general-biology-online-course

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about our experience using a preliminary online course for undergraduates. Attendees will then learn how to design their own prep courses focusing on what students require in general biology and anatomy.

SPEAKERS:
Gemma Bartha (Instructor: Springfield, MA), Joseph Kele (Professor of Biology: East Longmeadow, MA)

Due to the high influx of ELL students we have on our campus, we have come up with different systems and programs used in our classrooms, and our strategic after school tutoring for ELL students. Not only are students not able to speak the language, but come to us with large gaps in their education. The strategies created address both content and academic vocabulary. It has been shown ELL students are able to understand content language, but struggle with academic language. Hands on activities will be demonstrated using images to help students obtain language proficiency for both content and academic language. These strategies have been used the past two years, and have increased ELL test passing percentage by 40%.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to take the strategies modeled during this workshop and incorporate them into their lessons or tutoring sessions. Written handouts will accompany the modeling of the strategies during this workshop.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Harry (Skyline High School: Forney, TX)

Teachers will experience what it is like to be a student in a unique and engaging modern classroom that uses innovative methods that place students in the center of their learning. Their assignments will be to view examples from science classrooms currently using the model, and create components of a modern classroom using content from their own courses or provided samples. By completing this workshop, teachers will have a better understanding of how to use technology with blended instruction, mastery learning, and self-paced structures that incorporate collaboration, projects, and hands-on learning into a modern classroom to effectively reach the needs of every student, and receive valuable next steps to begin transforming their teaching and create a Classroom of the Future. This workshop is geared toward 1:1 classrooms of all grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
​​Participants will experience this model as students as they explore blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based grading. They will then begin to apply these concepts to their own lessons and units using the toolbox of samples, templates, and resources.

SPEAKERS:
Sumala Paidi (Teacher: Cedar Hill, TX), Julie Gastler (Hickman High School: Columbia, MO)

What does rich student discourse look like in a middle school science classroom? How can spirited debates over scientific principles erupt from prepubescent teens? I found myself skeptical when my colleague first brought the PEER Physics curriculum to my attention. How could a curriculum that was initially designed for undergraduate non-science majors and was revised to be applicable for high school contexts, possibly work in middle school? But I found that it not only “worked”, students thrived. I had longed for my students to authentically engage in science practices. In this workshop, I’ll share my experience with bringing PEER Physics into middle school. I’ll invite you into examples of middle school discourse by showing video and student reflections. Workshop participants will consider norming strategies that can support students in rich discourse in middle school science courses. And see how the three-dimensional learning from PEER changed the rest of my instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through video examples and hands-on learning, participants will see what evidence-based student discourse looks like at the middle school level. They will also walk away with tangible strategies, having experienced some of these strategies themselves.

SPEAKERS:
Daniela Del Cid (8th grade Science teacher: Frederick, CO)

In this interactive workshop, through the modality of dance class, participants engage in a inquiry-based, hands-on experience allowing independent and collaborative exploration of new content. Using peer conversations to deepen understanding, and a whole group debrief, participants naturally progress towards acquiring domain-specific terminology, culminating in a design challenge demonstrating application of knowledge. Analytical reflection of the experience, instructional approach, and supports, allows connections to participants’ own educational environments. Modeled after an inclusive framework, the experience demonstrates instructional strategies that support all learners while providing equitable opportunities for access to content. Including elements of differentiation, student choice, and the power of kinesthetic learning, the research-based experience builds knowledge while embracing and reinforcing key pedagogical ideas, reflecting best practices for science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience best practices for science instruction including elements like differentiation, student choice, the power of kinesthetic learning, and more, all wrapped up in a research-based instructional model using an inclusive framework approach.

SPEAKERS:
Isaac Stauffer (Amplify Science: Chicago, IL)

Attendees will learn techniques and strategies for incorporating scientific sketching and nature journaling into students’ science notebook routines by engaging in the activities themselves. Materials and natural physical specimens will be provided for journaling and sketching activities. Student examples and free resources will be shared. This workshop is appropriate for all K-12 teachers and informal science educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be introduced to, and participate in, several nature journaling activities from the free John Muir Laws "How to Teach Nature Journaling" book, as well as receive some scientific sketching guidance from the California Academy of Sciences. Special attention to integrating math will be included.

SPEAKERS:
Dana Atwood-Blaine (University of Northern Iowa: WATERLOO, IA)

Elementary teachers continue to struggle with “fitting it all in” when ELA standards are prioritized at the elementary level. While cross-curricular instruction is one strategy, there is often still a need to focus on the identified ELA competencies. This session will focus on strategies that easily cross over between science and ELA in order to better leverage instructional time. For example, a common strategy called “text to” helps students make connections as they read and make meaning from ideas in the text. By expanding this strategy with science content and investigations, students now add first-hand knowledge of a topic to their connection-making mental process. This strategy incorporates discourse strategies that are known to assist students in sensemaking. Research within the ELA side has supported the idea that the most logical place for instruction around reading and thinking strategies is within the content areas. Additional strategies will be shared and modeled.

TAKEAWAYS:
The session will focus on engaging participants in strategies that can easily cross over and place science at the forefront, and provide authentic topics around which to build both science concepts and ELA competencies, thus seizing the time to do science.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Anne Royce (Shippensburg University: Newburg, PA)

Presenters will cover Energy and Electricity concepts and how to have students master and apply them. From the basics of battery, wire and bulb to student designed projects. Participants will make a coal chain to see how electricity is created and build circuits using paper and other inexpensive materials. Student work will be shown to demonstrate how to encourage students to think outside the box and create their own game that includes different circuits and applies the ideas learned. Samples will be given away to participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to implement a hands-on unit about energy and electricity for middle school students. Try out the activities and win some giveaways to take back to your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Schaller (Visitation Academy: St. Louis, MO), Tracie Cain (Visitation Academy: Saint Louis, MO)

Participants in this workshop will use a temperature sensor/probe to measure the temperature of a liquid. They will then design and code a program that will display the temperature and also incorporate other multi-sensory devices to indicate if the liquid is safe for drinking. This workshop will allow participants to go through the engineering design process and create a working model by the end of the session. No prior coding knowledge is required, just a willingness to create, learn, and have fun doing it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create a multi-sensory temperature detector. Implement coding in Python into the STEM/Science/Mathematics classroom. Learn how to give students ownership in their projects.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD), Brad Posnanski (Comsewogue High School: Port Jefferson Station, NY)

Today's mission - should you choose to accept - will require teams of engineers to design and build a bridge that will hold at least 20 coins. During this lesson, engineers will be asking questions and defining problems to fully understand the mission, criteria, and constraints. Next, we will design our bridges and sell our design ideas to the team, selecting the optimal ideas to incorporate into the group design. Then, we will construct and test our bridges, identify failure points, and recommend improvements. Teachers will receive a copy of ready-made engineering design worksheet that can be utilized in their classrooms to facilitate incorporation of engineering design challenges (and can be modified to fit any K-12 classroom]. Following the design challenge, presenters will offer a range of applications for design challenges making this content relevant to all disciplines. Examples include protein folding, electromagnets, balancing forces, and Rube Goldberg Machines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will take away materials for teaching the engineering design process that can be modified to fit ANY K-12 classroom, as well as a list of possible projects with connections to various DCI strands.

SPEAKERS:
Bailey Johnson (Hastings Public Schools: Hastings, NE), Kristen Benton (Kenesaw Public Schools: Grand Island, NE)

I would like to introduce and allow teachers to interact with strategies that I have used while teaching at a school that consists of at least 70% English Language Learners (ELLs). I have worked to compile strategies that support students' language development in all four language domains and in all science content areas. For developing reading, I have used stations with multiple means of representation, as well as interactive visual vocabulary activities to frontload vocabulary prior to reading a science text. For listening, I have used videos with pause points for comprehension checks, as well as note-taking while listening, to practice active listening. For writing, I have used sentence frames, single point rubrics, and visual vocabulary word banks to support student writing. For speaking, I have used questioning strategies, as well as organized systems, for student participation. These strategies have positively impacted language and content acquisition in my classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies and supports that can be easily implemented in your classroom tomorrow no matter the lesson, content, or activity.

SPEAKERS:
Celeste Pistole (Guadalupe Centers Middle School: Kansas City, MO)

Often art mimics science and some aspects of science seem divinely beautiful. As an approach for developing a holistic curriculum for the science classroom, the novel approach of using common, free, 3D modeling tools has been considered and implemented in the science classroom. The objective of this session is to introduce educators to the benefits and opportunities of using 3D modeling in the science classroom to enhance student learning and engagement. The session will provide practical tips and strategies for integrating 3D modeling technology (Blender) into science lessons, as well as showcase examples of successful implementation. Blender is a free, easy to use, yet robust, 3d modeling and simulation software.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will have practical tips and strategies for integrating 3-D modeling into their science lessons. Participants will have hands-on experience with 3-D modeling tools and software. Educators will be able to share their experiences and ask questions about using 3-D modeling in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Posey (McCallie School: Flat Rock, AL), Jessica Dobrin (McCallie School: Chattanooga, TN), Caleb Bagby (Senior Director of Engineering, Technology, and Design: Chattanooga, TN)

Disentanglement puzzles, string figures, rope tricks, magic knots, and other curious objects offer interest for students. Such physical riddles yield engaging, entertaining, instructive, and enlightening opportunities for students. Topology applies to a range of sciences; students can investigate empirically and safely. Advanced math is not needed to search for solutions and to describe procedures/results through language and visualisation. There are occasions for communication, collaboration, and creative problem solving. There are cross-curricular connections abound from cultural anthropology to visual arts. Experience with these puzzles and problems helps develop spatial thinking and gives practice in pattern-finding, hypothesis-testing, and scientific inference. We will construct puzzles to take home, try solving such puzzles and problems, practice describing and systematising solutions, and present/discuss a number of activities for students. NGSS relevance will be discussed and references will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Topology offers rich, diverse, and perhaps surprising opportunities for science learning through practices, core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts. Applicable phenomena, relevant scientific approaches, and rewarding occasions for finding patterns and testing hypotheses emerge.

SPEAKERS:
Richard Frazier (retired: Holts Summit, MO)

Participants will engage in a thinking classroom for developing and using a constant velocity particle model by: • Observing a constant velocity toy car moving across the floor • Recording and summarizing their observations of the car • Developing a driving question board about their observations • Designing an experiment that could answer their question • Working in small groups to make sense of the model and apply it to a new situation using a thinking task • Discussing in a whole group a consensus model for any particle moving with a constant velocity • Examine the pedagogy that led to student thinking and sensemaking of the scientific model.

TAKEAWAYS:
Thinking classroom practices create the optimal conditions for learner-centered, student-owned science thinking and learning, and have the power to transform science classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Earl Legleiter (Legleiter Science Consulting: Englewood, CO)

Since returning from COVID classrooms have become increasingly digitally based, but has this been beneficial for students? After reflecting on our own teaching practices & examining our students’ progress we concluded that a fully digital classroom is limiting our students' linguistic and academic growth which can really hurt our English Learners. We examined available research on technology use in the class & how the implementation had impacted students. In addition, we looked at current best practices for literacy & academic language acquisition as it pertains to our ELLs. We began to look for ways to hybridize assignments to encourage substantive conversations, collaboration & engagement. Early results point to students’ better use of academic language, higher engagement & increased test scores. Participants will learn by doing a hybrid assignment & compare them to the results of our digital only & analog only assignments. We will provide scaffolds to build your own hybrid lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Particpants will walk away with outlines and skeletons on builidng hybridized digital and analog lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Berlin (Truman High School: BELTON, MO), Jennifer Tuff (North Side High School: Fort Worth, TX)

Students often have ok data but present it graphically not in the best way. Let’s talk about how to make your graph tell your story. Simple stuff like: which type of graph? What variable, where does it go, scale, function or not? Stuff beyond the basics: Which graph is the best type of graph for your data, hypothesis and story? How can I effectively improve my graph to better communicate my results? Does my graph limit the credibility of my work?

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective graphing can be a tool to visually show relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Louise Chapman (Volusia County Schools: Deland, FL), Jacklyn Bonneau (Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science at WPI: North Grosvenordale, CT)

Data collection and analysis is not only easier and more accessible than ever, it MUST be a part of any solid STEM/STEAM effort. In this session, we will be using state-of-the-art technology that is designed to facilitate effective data collection and analysis in any middle school or high school science classroom. In addition to simply collecting data in this session, we will be analyzing the data by developing mathematical models using the data, and then brainstorming ideas for how to integrate writing into the activities that are done in the lab. There will be a heavy emphasis on curriculum integration: Math, Science, and Writing.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience the power of having students collect and analyze their own data, while learning strategies for the effective science-math integration and collaborative instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD: Sioux Falls, SD)

The integration of science and mathematics should be a natural thing, and it is the foundation of any good STEM teaching. Data collection is crucial in all science classes and the analysis of the data is a great way to bring math into the science classroom. This session will involve all participants in data collection activities that can be done in any classroom, regardless of class size or student background. Common, easy-to-use technology will be used for the activities and this session is sure to motivate teachers to collect and analyze data with their students--and share their results with their math colleagues; fostering a spirit of cross-curricular collaboration and integration.

TAKEAWAYS:
ALL attendees will be active participants in the data collection activities in this session. But collecting data will not be the greatest takeaway. Rather, instilling confidence in ALL attendees to perform mathematical analysis of the data will be the main goal of the session.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD: Sioux Falls, SD)

The materials presented were created by two 8th grade life science teachers. Our students struggle with reading and analyzing nonfiction text. Nonfiction text is an important part of science literacy, and teaching our students how to interact with the text and pull important information is essential. The templates we created can be applied to almost any article or reading that teachers will use in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will go away from this session with materials that they can use immediately in their classroom. These materials will help students to read and organize nonfiction texts and use them in discussions with classmates.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Branstetter (Bolivar Middle School: Bolivar, MO)